High Performance PV Concentrator

Although high efficiency III-V solar cells can approach 40% solar conversion efficiency, they are cost prohibitive without sunlight concentration. However, conventional concentrator designs are capped at 500X magnification and have optical efficiencies below 80%. This project will develop a reflective lens concept that removes these limits and offers a much greater choice of fabrication techniques and industrial materials for making concentrator modules. The new reflective lens will combine the high concentration ability of parabolic mirrors with the design versatility of Fresnel lenses. The approach also will avoid the need for secondary optical stages and will aim at achieving manufacturing simplicity, low weight, and improved conversion efficiency. In Phase I, a design study will be performed, an optical model will be developed, ray-tracing experiments will be conducted, and a pilot prototype concentrator will be fabricated and tested. Phase II will involve the development of an integrated terrestrial concentrator PV module. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The use of reflective lenses for a high performance photovoltaic concentrator should provide record breaking concentration and highly uniform illumination of the solar cells. The replacement of conventional PV modules with inexpensive, flat-plate III-V concentrator panels, which utilize 500-to-1,000 times less PV material, should become viable. The commercialization of the new concentrator PV panels will help meet national goals to secure energy independence, reduce carbon emissions, and generate clean renewable energy.